Giants Country

Bleacher Report Isn't Buying into Darren Waller Hype

If the Giants are looking to turbocharge their offense, tight end Darren Waller might not be the answer according to one writer's opinion. Here's why.

Patricia Traina

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Before their acquisition of tight end Darren Waller via trade with the Raiders, the New York Giants haven't had a big-time player on offense since the days of receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

And while there is a lot of excitement surrounding what Waller might potentially be able to do for the Giants offense, Alex Ballantine of Bleacher Report isn't ready to buy into the hype of Waller transforming the Giants offense, writing:

The Giants decision to trade for Darren Waller was a solid one. They only gave up a third-round pick and got a veteran tight end to bolster a group made up mostly of young players who haven't done much yet. But it's best to temper expectations. Waller is 30 years old, has only played in 20 games over the last two seasons, and averaged just 43.1 yards per game this season, his lowest total in four years. That hasn't stopped the Waller hype train from going full steam ahead as he joins his new team in OTAs.

Ballantine's concern about Waller's recent injury history is understandable, but his logic falls short in assuming that it's Waller or nothing as far as the Giants' offense goes.

The Giants' tight end is expected to play a big role in the team's offense. But head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have always approached the weekly game plan by playing the most favorable matchups. That means if Waller has the best matchup of the week, he'll be the featured guy. If it's Isaiah Hodgins or Jalin Hyatt, they'll be the featured guy.

In other words, this isn't a Beckham situation all over again, where Beckahm was the Giants' offense. Waller is just one piece of the puzzle--a very big one at that. The Giants have also tried to set themselves up so that if there are injuries at any of the skill position groups, they have guys who can step in without missing a beat.

And if nothing else, who's to say that Waller won't get through the upcoming season relatively healthy? People began to doubt that about Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones, yet both snapped a multi-year-long injury streak in which they missed games. If they can do it, then why can't Waller? 

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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